Jeff Nilluka Said “YES” To Jesus

Jeff Nilluka, a friend of many, died last Thursday.  I remember the first time I met him.  It was at a Westside picnic out on the front lawn and Chris Swarbrick introduced Jeff to me because he had driven into our parking lot thinking that we were having a “wheeling” event.


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The Absolute Best Thing You Can Do For Your Kids

The absolute best thing you can do for your kids is to have a great marriage. 

This is more important than all the latest parenting techniques, trends, and popular advice that are so abundantly forced upon young parents in today’s culture.

A strong, healthy, Christ centered


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Young, In Love, No Money, and a Great Big God

I remember the Christmas when I was in my first year of teaching in a private Christian school.  We had no money.  No money to buy presents for our kids or . . . do anything special.  We were OK with that.  Teri and I were young and in love and living our dream of raising a family who loved and served God.


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5 Benefits of Reading God’s Word And One Huge Caution

When Jesus (who is God’s “Living Word”) left this earth He promised us the Holy Spirit.  When we read God’s Word with an attitude of openness and humility His Holy Spirit will certainly:

1.  GUIDE US.

Psalm 119:105   Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.


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10 Signs of a Great Church (guest blog)

Hey Friends,

I came upon this article recently about what the Bible says about local churches.  I was greatly encouraged and so thankful for our wonderful Westside family.  Please take a look at it and see if you agree.  Can you think of another sign or two and share it with the rest of us?


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Thanks To Whom?

Sometimes it seems like everything goes by so fast . . . especially time.  I can certainly relate to that.  Remember what Charlie Brown and his sister Sally said about Thanksgiving:


Charlie Brown:

“Now we’ve got ANOTHER holiday to worry about. It seems Thanksgiving Day is upon us.”


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12 Things You Can Do To Feel Better Right Away

12 Things You Can Do To Feel Better Right Away

It’s OK to have feelings.  God has feelings.  We are created in His image so we can have them too.  Of course we don’t only go by our feelings, because sometimes we need to stand on facts and the truth that God reveals to us as well.  But never forget that we are human beings created in the image of a wonderful God who passionately loves and adores us – with emotion.


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How To Make Your Problems Go Away

The world is screaming out for your attention isn’t it?  There are bills to be paid, kids to be shuttled, and bosses to be served.   You’ve got your family gatherings, car repairs, house repairs, school events, church events, you name it – it never seems to let up.


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Words Are Really Important

Sometimes I feel sorry for celebrities or politicians whose words are constantly being recorded by the media.  In the last couple of days I actually made these statements while teaching: “Biblical things are in the Bible” and “She would weep when she cried” and this is the worst one . . . “There was nothing special about Jesus.”


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“It’s Ok . . . it’s going to be alright”

Have you ever been in a dark place?  I have.

I remember (when as a foster child) being curled up in a ball in the middle of the night with welts and bruises from the middle of my back down to the back of my thighs. 


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